WOKINGHAM Borough Council is hoping to improve its services by introducing appointments for residents unable to resolve their benefits or council tax enquiry online.
Currently, residents make the most of self-service alternatives when they need help with issues such as benefits and council tax.
To further help those unable to resolve their enquiry online, or by telephone, the council is now introducing an appointments system.
This will allow residents to arrange a time that suits them and be pre-advised of all the information they will need to provide to ensure any financial support can be paid efficiently.
Cllr Imogen Shepherd-DuBey, executive member for finance, said: “Although we are encouraging people towards self-service and online support, we would like to reassure residents that this will result in a more personalised and efficient experience when dealing with these important matters.
“The new appointments system will help residents to get the right advice and guidance as
quickly as possible and, by ensuring residents can bring all the appropriate information, we can make sure we give them the right support.”
From September, anyone who telephones the benefits and council tax team will have their needs assessed and be signposted to the best place for advice and support.
This may result in a face-to-face appointment, but the council will look to use digital self-service methods where it is better for the resident.
They may also be referred to a more appropriate alternative.
For benefits or council tax enquiries, call: 0118 974 6000.
